A divorce settlement is a written document that states all the agreements that have been established between the partners. It includes all aspects of divorce, i.e. child custody, alimony, child support, and other financial matters. According to your state’s family law, this settlement might differ, but the purpose remains the same.
Do you Enter the Settlement before Divorce?
The most confusing aspect for many is whether they have to enter the settlement before the divorce or after it. There is no rule to it. You can enter an agreement after or before filing for the divorce or separation.
Moreover, there is nothing “settled” in a divorce case, until and unless the partners come to a mutual conclusion. You might not know the settlement until the last moment. Thus, it is recommended that partners sit together and mutually agree to the laid out essentialities. This will save you a lot of time, money, and hassle.
Who Prepares the Divorce Settlement?
Now, it is highly advised that you hire an attorney to prepare the divorce settlement. There are chances that your partner might have got the settlement prepared. You can go through it on your own as well. But it is best that you hire a professional to review it for you.
They will ensure that all legal provisions are being met and all the data added is accurate. They will review the settlement for your benefit, doing their best to protect your rights. Thus, an attorney understands the specifications of certain words and phrases in the settlement that you might not be well aware of.
Is it mandatory to hire an attorney, you might ask? No, it is not. But it is highly recommended. If you want to protect your rights, a professional can do it in the best possible manner.
What to do if you don’t like your Spouse’s Settlement?
In some situations, you might not like the divorce settlement that your partner comes up with. And it is okay. You do not have to fret about it. This agreement is just a proposal for you to review. If you don’t like it; don’t sign it. Even if your spouse has given you a deadline for response; you are not bound to it, in any legal case.
However, avoiding the situation won’t help either. Thus, take your attorney along to propose the clauses or settlements that you are looking forward to. Negotiation is important and is the only professional way to take things forward. Move forward, discuss and compromise on some elements to come to a mutual agreement, to avoid prolonging the issue.
THE BOTTOM LINE
To conclude it all; it is best to hire an attorney to write down your divorce settlement. Even if you two have come to mutual agreements, writing it on your own is a bad idea. It will be vague and might end up missing different legal facts. Thus, hiring an attorney is the best way to get things done accurately and quickly.
Also Read Interesting Articles At: DcAwp.
